Reestablishing public-police relations needed: Adviser

The formation of an independent police commission is very much essential to make a ‘humane police’ force.

Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr M Shakhawat Hossain made the comment while speaking at a seminar titled ‘Formation of a Police Commission and Proposals for Other Reforms to Ensure Public-Oriented Police Services’, at North South University on Saturday.

“The police must transition from being a monster police to a humane police force, so that they can serve people without political interference,” he said.

Dr Shakhawat Hossain said, “After August 8, I talked to police personnel of different levels and they made it clear that they no longer want to be part of a politicised system. They seek a professional and independent force.”

The shipping adviser highlighted the importance of political parties in the country showing commitment to such reforms.

Prof Dr Md Rizwanul Islam and Dr Ishrat Zakia Sultana from North South University presented a roadmap for police reforms and proposed a comprehensive plan for the formation of a police commission.

Bobby Hajjaj, founder of the National Democratic Movement (NDM), and former Home Secretary and BNP adviser SM Zahirul Islam also spoke at the event.

Prof Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of North South University, made the concluding remarks.